Membership at the Zen Center of Syracuse, Hoen-ji

All are welcome to practice at the Zen Center of Syracuse Hoen-ji. Newcomers are provided with instruction on Thursday evenings; they should arrive by 5:30 p.m. The suggested donation for non-members is $5 each visit. The orientation given is enough to initiate the zazen (sitting meditation) experience. In addition, the introductory course, Deep Presence, taught twice a year by Shinge Roshi, is most helpful. We encourage you to attend this course when your schedule permits.

MEMBERSHIP

To become a member, a student must practice sincerely and consistently, attending zazen at the center at least once a week, and participating in a three-day sesshin at Hoen-ji or a week-long sesshin at Dai Bosatsu Zendo.

If physical restrictions are a factor, you may request to become a member by attending at least the last day of sesshin.

Inherent to a commitment to practice is commitment to sangha. Members give of themselves through their time, talents, and financial support, as able. The first step in this process is the filing of a Sangha Membership Form. Please fill out this form and either attach it to an e-mail to the Zen Center at membership@hoenji.org or mail to:

The level of Membership Support is at least $10 per month for every $10,000 of annual income or as your current situation allows. Using the membership support page, you may adjust your amount at any time in accordance with your circumstances.

Members receive reduced rates for Sesshins (at DBZ, as well) and classes offered at Hoen-ji.

Members may request to become students of Shinge Roshi. With this step, they enter into the student/teacher relationship, with Dokusan (private meetings with Shinge Roshi) at the heart of practice.

Dokusan is offered to all students on the 2nd and 4th weeks of the month when Shinge Roshi is in town.